Agent Survival Guide Podcast
Ritter
Episodes
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
At a loss for what to post on your business socials? Sarah highlights 5 types of content agents can share on social media – and they’re not all insurance related!
Resources:
5 Marketing Podcasts to Follow: https://lnk.to/asg638
Boost Sales and Productivity with Our Medicare Sales Planner: https://ritterim.com/blog/boost-sales-and-productivity-with-our-medicare-sales-planner
How to Create a Healthy Balance Between Work and Life: https://lnk.to/asg643
Learning to Delight in the Limelight ft. Linda Ugelow: https://lnk.to/asg644
Marketing Trends for 2025: https://lnk.to/asg639
Setting SMART Goals in 2025: https://lnk.to/asgf20250103
Stay Organized with the Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar: https://ritterim.com/blog/stay-organized-with-the-busy-aca-agents-sales-calendar/
References:
Pierre, Yasmin. “Social Media Holiday Calendar 2025.” Brandwatch.Com, Brandwatch, 5 Dec. 2024, www.brandwatch.com/blog/social-media-holiday-calendar/.
“Your Ultimate Social Media Calendar Guide for 2025.” Theblogsocial.Com, The Blog Social, 7 Nov. 2024, www.theblogsocial.com/social-media-calendar-guide-2025/.
Marino, Susie. “The Big List of 500+ Social Media Holidays for Every Month of 2025.” Localiq.Com, Local IQ, 11 Dec. 2024, localiq.com/blog/social-media-holidays/.
Follow Us on Social!
Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
The Friday Five for January 24, 2025:
Regulatory Freeze
TikTok Ban Update
Instagram Announces Edits
Optimal Ambient Temperature for Seniors
2025 ACA Enrollment Hits All-Time High
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Regulatory Freeze:
Isaac, Mike. “Instagram Debuts New Video-Editing App, as TikTok Deals With a Ban.” Nytimes.Com, The New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/01/19/technology/instagram-video-app-tiktok-ban.html.
“Regulatory Freeze Pending Review.” Whitehouse.Gov, The United States Government, 20 Jan. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/regulatory-freeze-pending-review/.
Treisman, Rachel. “Trump Is Signing a Flurry of Executive Orders. Here’s How Those Work.” Npr.Org, NPR, 21 Jan. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/01/21/nx-s1-5269600/trump-executive-actions-orders-memoranda-proclamation.
TikTok Ban Update:
“Application of Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act to TikTok.” Whitehouse.Gov, The United States Government, 21 Jan. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/application-of-protecting-americans-from-foreign-adversary-controlled-applications-act-to-tiktok/.
Duffy, Clare, and David Goldman. “TikTok Is Back Online after Trump Pledged to Restore It.” Cnn.Com, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025, www.cnn.com/2025/01/19/tech/tiktok-ban/index.html.
Allyn, Bobby. “TikTok Is Back Online in the U.S., Following Trump’s Promise to Pause the Ban.” Npr.Org, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/01/19/nx-s1-5267568/tiktok-back-online.
Lagatta, Eric. “TikTok Still Not Available on App Stores after Trump’s Executive Order: What We Know.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 22 Jan. 2025, www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/01/22/tiktok-ban-download-app-stores-update/77872210007/.
Instagram Announces Edits:
Davis, Wes. “Instagram Announces a Blatant CapCut Clone.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2025, www.theverge.com/2025/1/19/24347358/instagram-edits-capcut-video-app-tiktok-ban.
Schoon, Ben. “Instagram ‘edits’ Coming to Android in February as CapCut Remains Banned.” 9to5google.Com, 9 To 5 Google, 20 Jan. 2025, 9to5google.com/2025/01/20/instagram-edits-app-android-february/.
Optimal Home Temperature for Senior Brain Health:
Pappas, Stephanie. “How Heat Affects the Mind.” Apa.Org, American Psychological Association, 1 June 2024, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/06/heat-affects-mental-health.
“Home Ambient Temperature and Self-Reported Attention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.” Pubmed.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Dec. 2024, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39656181/.
“Indoor Temperatures Affect Cognitive Function in Older Adults.” Neurosciencenews.Com, Neuroscience News, 14 Jan. 2025, neurosciencenews.com/temperature-aging-cognition-28353/.
Thompson, Dennis. “Is Your Home Too Warm for Seniors’ Brain Health?” Healthday.Com, HealthDay, 16 Jan. 2025, www.healthday.com/health-news/senior-health/is-your-home-too-warm-for-seniors-brain-health.
“Scientists Warn: Your Home Temperature Could Be Increasing Your Risk of Cognitive Decline.” SciTechDaily.Com, SciTechDaily, 22 Jan. 2025, scitechdaily.com/scientists-warn-your-home-temperature-could-be-increasing-your-risk-of-cognitive-decline/.
2025 ACA Enrollment Hits All-Time High:
Pifer, Rebecca. “ACA Enrollment Breaks Records Again in 2025.” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 21 Jan. 2025, www.healthcaredive.com/news/aca-enrollment-2025-record-high-final/737679/.
“Over 24 Million Consumers Selected Affordable Health Coverage in ACA Marketplace for 2025.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 17 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/over-24-million-consumers-selected-affordable-health-coverage-aca-marketplace-2025.
“State-Based Marketplaces: 2025 Open Enrollment.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/state-exchange-oe-chart-py-2025.pdf. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Resources:
5 Business Podcasts to Follow: https://lnk.to/asg636
8 Strategies to Prevent Rapid Disenrollments from Medicare Plans: https://lnk.to/asg641
CMS Draft Legislation for CY 2026: https://lnk.to/asgf20250117
How Relationship Marketing Can Make the Difference in Your Agency: https://lnk.to/asg642
Why Gen Z is a Good Fit for Selling Insurance: https://lnk.to/asg640
Follow Us on Social!
Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
The Friday Five for January 17, 2025:
TikTok Ban & Popular Alternatives
Part D Cost-Sharing
Successor Regulation Rules
Creditable Coverage Determination
MA and Part D Advance Notice
TikTok Ban & Rising Alternatives:
“A Possible Tiktok Ban Is Just Days Away. A List of Other Apps Available.” Apnews.Com, AP News, 14 Jan. 2025, apnews.com/article/tiktok-alternative-social-media-platforms-ban-49af1bfd2a1543a09b327544c380f217.
Rosenblatt, Kalhan. “Chinese TikTok Alternative RedNote Tops App Charts Ahead of Potential TikTok Ban.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 14 Jan. 2025, www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/rednote-chinese-tiktok-alternative-tops-app-charts-ahead-ban-rcna187497.
Habeshian, Sareen. “Tiktok Ban Timeline: Here’s Where Things Stand.” Axios.Com, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025, www.axios.com/2025/01/13/tiktok-ban-timeline.
“TikTok Prepares for US Shutdown from Sunday, Sources Say.” Reuters.Com, Reuters, 15 Jan. 2025, www.reuters.com/technology/tiktok-preparing-us-shut-off-sunday-information-reports-2025-01-15/.
CMS Draft CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program:
“CMS Releases Proposed 2026 Payment Policy Updates for Medicare Advantage and Part D Programs.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-releases-proposed-2026-payment-policy-updates-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-programs.
“Draft CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/draft-cy-2026-part-d-redesign-program-instructions-fact-sheet.
“Draft CY 2026 Part D Redesign Program Instructions.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/draft-cy-2026-part-d-redesign-program-instructions.pdf. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025
“Final CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/files/document/final-cy-2025-part-d-redesign-program-instructions.pdf.
CMS 2026 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Advance Notice:
“2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.cms.gov/files/document/2025-advance-notice-fact-sheet-and-faq.pdf. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.
“2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 1 Apr. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2025-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-rate-announcement.
“2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-advance-notice-fact-sheet.
“Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (CY) 2026 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies.” Cms.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 10 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/files/document/2026-advance-notice.pdf.
Goldman, Maya. “Biden Proposes $21B Pay Increase for MA Insurers.” Axios.Com, Axios, 13 Jan. 2025, www.axios.com/2025/01/13/biden-proposes-insurer-pay-increase .
Pifer, Rebecca. “CMS Revised Medicare Advantage Star Ratings. Here’s Which Payers Benefited.” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 9 July 2024, www.healthcaredive.com/news/cms-revised-medicare-advantage-star-ratings-plan-scores/720697/.
Resources:
2025 ACA Enrollment Updates: https://lnk.to/asgf20250110
CMS Announces Part D Savings & 2026 Maximum Fair Prices for First 10 Medicare-Negotiated Drugs: https://lnk.to/BkBrUZ
How to Find Balance Between Life & Work: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-to-find-balance-between-life-and-work/
Instagram Basics for Insurance Agents: https://lnk.to/asg634
The Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Determination Changes for 2025 or Beyond: https://ritterim.com/blog/the-medicare-part-d-creditable-coverage-determination-changes-for-2025-or-beyond/
Top 5 Apps of 2024: https://lnk.to/QkLB8T
Why Gen Z is a Good Fit for Selling Insurance: https://lnk.to/asg640
Follow Us on Social!
Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
January 10, 2025:
Sarah’s 2025 Goals
Highlights from CES 2025
First HIPAA Update Since 2013
ACA DACA Enrollment Eligibility Update
2025 ACA Enrollment Snapshot #2
Sarah’s 2025 Goals:
Cement City: https://www.cementcity.org/
Highlights from CES 2025:
Carlson, Jeff. “CES 2025: We’re Obsessed With These 28 New Products So Far.” CNET.Com, CNET, 9 Jan. 2025, www.cnet.com/pictures/ces-2025-were-obsessed-with-these-28-new-products-so-far/.
Kastrenakes, Jacob. “CES 2025: All the News, Gadgets, and Surprises.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 4 Jan. 2025, www.theverge.com/2025/1/4/24307731/ces-2025-tvs-gaming-smart-home-wearables-news.
Halliday AI Glasses: https://hallidayglobal.com/products/reservation
Ortiz, Sabrina. “Halliday Just Unveiled the AI Glasses That Meta, Google and Apple Have Been Trying to Build.” ZDNET.Com, ZDNET, 8 Jan. 2025, www.zdnet.com/article/halliday-just-unveiled-the-ai-glasses-that-meta-google-and-apple-have-been-trying-to-build/.
Mirumi: https://mirumi.ux-xu.com/
Segway Navimov X3 Series: https://navimow.segway.com/uk/product/navimow-x.html
Stolyar, Brenda. “The 31 Best Gadgets From CES 2025 You Can Buy Right Now.” Wired.Com, Conde Nast, 9 Jan. 2025, www.wired.com/story/the-gadgets-from-ces-2025-you-can-buy-right-now/.
Weatherbed, Jess. “These Smart Glasses Have a Tiny Little Screen Hidden in the Frame.” Theverge.Com, The Verge, 6 Jan. 2025, www.theverge.com/2025/1/5/24334030/halliday-smart-glasses-ai-tiny-display-frame-availability-price-ces.
First HIPAA Update Since 2013:
Olsen, Emily. “HHS Proposes HIPAA Update to Boost Healthcare Cybersecurity.” Healthcaredive.Com, Healthcare Dive, 3 Jan. 2025, www.healthcaredive.com/news/hhs-hipaa-security-rule-update-cybersecurity/736451/.
Beavins, Emma. “HHS Proposes New Cybersecurity Requirements as First Major HIPAA Update in 10 Years.” Fiercehealthcare.Com, Fierce Healthcare, 7 Jan. 2025, www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/hhs-proposes-cybersecurity-updates-healthcare-organizations.
“HIPAA Security Rule To Strengthen the Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information.” Federalregister.Gov, Federal Register, 6 Jan. 2025, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/06/2024-30983/hipaa-security-rule-to-strengthen-the-cybersecurity-of-electronic-protected-health-information.
ACA DACA Enrollment Eligibility Update:
“DACA Eligibility Update.” Khbe.Ky.Gov, Kynect Health Coverage, khbe.ky.gov/Agents-kynectors/Documents/kynector-FAQ.pdf. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
“HHS Final Rule Clarifying the Eligibility of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients and Certain Other Noncitizens.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 3 May 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/hhs-final-rule-clarifying-eligibility-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca-recipients-and-certain.
“Immigration Status to Qualify for the Marketplace.” HealthCare.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/immigration-status/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
“Kansas et al. v. United States of America et Al..” Litigationtracker.Law.Georgetown.Edu, Georgetown University, 2 Jan. 2025, litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/litigation/kansas-et-al-v-united-states-of-america-et-al/.
Pillair, Drishti, and Samantha Artiga. “Overview and Implications of the ACA Marketplace Expansion to DACA Recipients.” KFF.Org, KFF, 6 Jan. 2025, www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/overview-and-implications-of-the-aca-marketplace-expansion-to-daca-recipients/.
“Recent Court Decisions Impacting the Marketplace.” HealthCare.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, www.healthcare.gov/court-decisions/. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
“State-Based Marketplaces: 2025 Open Enrollment.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 17 Oct. 2024, www.cms.gov/files/document/state-exchange-oe-chart-py-2025.pdf.
“State Health Insurance Marketplace Types, 2025.” KFF.Org, KFF, 26 Oct. 2024, www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/state-indicator/state-health-insurance-marketplace-types/.
“State of Kansas, et al. Appellees v. United States of America and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Appellants.” Litigationtracker.Law.Georgetown.Edu, Georgetown University, litigationtracker.law.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kansas_2024.12.16_ORDER.pdf. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
2025 ACA Enrollment Snapshot #2:
“Marketplace 2024 Open Enrollment Period Report: Final National Snapshot.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 24 Jan. 2024, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2024-open-enrollment-period-report-final-national-snapshot.
“Marketplace 2025 Open Enrollment Period Report: National Snapshot.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 8 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/marketplace-2025-open-enrollment-period-report-national-snapshot-1.
“Nearly 24 Million Consumers Have Selected Affordable Health Coverage in ACA Marketplace, With Time Left to Enroll.” CMS.Gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 8 Jan. 2025, www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nearly-24-million-consumers-have-selected-affordable-health-coverage-aca-marketplace-time-left.
Resources:
5 Tips for Finding Supplemental Coverage for ACA Plans: https://lnk.to/xDtALf
Lessons Learned in 2024: https://lnk.to/asg637
Marketing Trends for 2025: https://lnk.to/asg639
Setting SMART Goals in 2025: https://lnk.to/asgf20250103
Why Gen Z is a Good Fit for Selling Insurance: https://lnk.to/asg640
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Follow Us on Social!
Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
No resolutions, just goals! Join Sarah as she explains how to set SMART goals for your insurance business in 2025.
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Resources:
5 Business Podcasts to Follow: https://pod.fo/e/2921db
5 Things from the CMS 2026 MA and Part D Proposed Rule: https://pod.fo/e/28c9d2
Instagram Basics for Insurance Agents: https://pod.fo/e/28803f
References:
Alexander, Lucy. “How I Write SMART Goals and Make Them a Reality.” Blog.Hubspot.Com, HubSpot Blog, 26 July 2024, blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-write-a-smart-goal-template.
Dan Harris, Ph.D. “How to Make Your SMART Goals Even SMARTER.” Quantumworkplace.Com, Quantum Workplace, www.quantumworkplace.com/podcast/how-to-make-your-smart-goals-even-smarter. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.
“How to Set Goals for 2025.” AFP, Association for Financial Professionals, 20 Nov. 2024, www.afponline.org/training-resources/resources/articles/Details/how-to-set-goals-for-2025.
Boogaard, Kat. “How to Write Smart Goals (with Examples).” Atlassian.Com, Atlassian, 12 Sept. 2024, www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals.
Bell, Simon. “SMART Goals.” Edited by Cat McLeod, Mindtools.Com, MindTools, www.mindtools.com/a4wo118/smart-goals. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.
“The SMARTER Method To Help You Define and Manage Your Business Goals.” Solocom, Solocom, solocom.ca/en/smarter-method/. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.
Follow Us on Social!
Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Join Sarah as she counts down the top 5 Agent Survival Guide Podcast episodes of 2024! Find out if your favorite episode made the cut… and thanks for listening this year!
Number Five: [02:22]
Number Four: [21:29]
Number Three: [31:18]
Number Two: [39:18]
Number One: [01:04:19]
Contact the Agent Survival Guide Podcast! Email us ASGPodcast@Ritterim.com or call 1-717-562-7211 and leave a voicemail.
Follow Us on Social!
Ritter on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/RitterIM Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/ritter.insurance.marketing/ LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/company/ritter-insurance-marketing TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@ritterim X, https://twitter.com/RitterIM and Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/user/RitterInsurance
Sarah on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjrueppel/ Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/thesarahjrueppel/ and Threads, https://www.threads.net/@thesarahjrueppel
Tina on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-lamoreux-6384b7199/
Links to Individual Episodes:
5 Perks of Being a Part-Time Insurance Agent: https://pod.fo/e/28ab20
Agent’s Guide to Email Communication Resources: https://pod.fo/e/28ab27
Developing a Retention Mindset ft. Blake Amos: https://pod.fo/e/28ab52
Key Changes for ACA Open Enrollment 2025 ft. Ross Baker: https://pod.fo/e/28aaeb
Using a SWOT Analysis to Review Your Insurance Business: https://pod.fo/e/28ab7f
Additional Episodes You Might Like:
5 Things About Prepping for the Insurance License Exam: https://pod.fo/e/28ab2c
9 Essential Tools for Beginner Insurance Agents: https://pod.fo/e/28ab2e
How Much Can Agents Make Selling Under-65 Insurance: https://pod.fo/e/28aaf7
Simplify Marketplace Enrollments with HealthSherpa: https://pod.fo/e/27a351
Steps to Get Ready for OEP: Federal & State Exchanges: https://pod.fo/e/28aaf6
What Today's Financial Environment Means for Medicare Beneficiaries & Agents: https://pod.fo/e/28aafb
Resources for Insurance Agents:
Developing an Agency — Your Guide to Getting Started: https://www.ritterim.com/agency-guide/
Email Template for Client Check-in: https://ritterim.com/documents/client-check-in-email-template.docx
FMO vs. IMO vs. NMO vs. MGA vs. GA: What’s the Difference? https://ritterim.com/blog/fmo-vs-imo-vs-nmo-vs-mga-vs-ga-whats-the-difference/
How Professional Organizations Make You a Better Agent: https://ritterim.com/blog/how-professional-organizations-make-you-a-better-agent/
Increase Sales and Productivity with the Busy Medicare Agent’s Sales Planner: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/increase-sales-and-productivity-with-the-busy-medicare-agents-sales-planner/
Modern Medicare Marketing for Today's Agents: https://www.ritterim.com/modern-marketing-guide/
Request a Portfolio Review from Ritter Insurance Marketing: https://ritterim.com/portfolio/
Ritter Agent Handbook: https://docs.ritterim.com/documents/compliance/Ritter-Agent-Handbook-2024.pdf
Ritter Insurance Marketing Official Site: https://ritterim.com/
Stay Organized with the Busy ACA Agent’s Sales Calendar: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/stay-organized-with-the-busy-aca-agents-sales-calendar/
The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention: https://ritterim.com/client-retention-guide/
The Complete Guide to Selling Affordable Care Act Insurance Plans: https://ritterim.com/aca-ebook/
The Ultimate Agent Resource List Pt. 1: Market Yourself: https://www.ritterim.com/blog/the-ultimate-agent-resource-list-pt.-1-market-yourself/
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Started in Insurance Sales: https://ritterim.com/free-guide/?utm_source=asg_podcast_link
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
The resources in Agent's Guide to Email Communication Reesources are the opinions of staff and agents who work with Ritter Insurance Marketing. We cannot guarantee that an agent’s business will succeed if utilizing these recommendations. An agents is solely responsible for making all decisions and taking actions related to their business.
Thursday Feb 03, 2022
Thursday Feb 03, 2022
After 400+ episodes of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast, we've learned some things! Rather than keep that knowledge to ourselves, we're sharing it with you... and asking for your stories, too!!!
What’s the best business lesson you ever learned? We want to know!
Email the ASG Podcast or call the hotline at 1-717-562-7211!
Mentioned in this episode:
Contact the Team at Ritter Insurance Marketing
Register for your FREE RitterIM.com account
Should You Hire an Assistant for Your Insurance Business?
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4 Myths About Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) Sales
8 Reasons Why Medicare Agents Should Sell ACA Plans
How Insurance Agents Can Learn About Their Social Media Audience
How to Successfully Set SMART Goals
Winter 2021 Podcast Recommendations
Articles to Share with Your Clients:
Getting Your Home Ready for Winter Storms
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Ritter Insurance Marketing eBooks & Guides:
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Modern Medicare Marketing for Today’s Agents
The Complete Guide to Client Loyalty and Retention
The latest from Ritter’s Blog:
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The Part D SEP Triggers That Can Help You Post-AEP
Why Young Professionals Should Consider Becoming Insurance Agents
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Tuesday Aug 11, 2020
Tuesday Aug 11, 2020
Want to avoid commissions and coverage delays on your Medicare applications? The secret is writing clean applications that won't get flagged during the submissions process. We've done the research for you! Use these 9 helpful tips to start writing cleaner applications.
Read the text version.
Contact our Team at Ritter Insurance Marketing
Mentioned in this episode:
Get Your FREE Medicare Site
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August 7, 2020 | The Friday Five
The Friday Five for August 7, 2020: Healthy Hacks for the Drive-Thru; Large Coffee, Hold the Calories; Pandemic Productivity Hacks; How to Ask For Referrals; and Self-Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Tips on How to Stay Productive While Working From Home
Maximize your productivity - even as you work from home! Let's face it, WFH is lasting longer than most of us thought. If you're struggling to stay productive right now, we get it! Try out our list of productivity hacks to get back on track.
5 Must-Haves for Every Insurance Agent This AEP
Are these must-haves part of your strategy for this Annual Enrollment Period? They should be! Listen as we highlight five essentials to simplify your Medicare sales this AEP.
The latest from Ritter’s Blog:
Tips for Becoming a Top-Producing Insurance Agency
Becoming a top producing agency isn’t something that happens overnight. It will take work and maybe a bit of trial and error to see what will work best for your business and sales flow.
FAQs About NAHU Medicare Certification
Got questions about NAHU’s Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training? We’ve got answers!
NEW: NAHU 2021 Medicare Certification Training
New this year, NAHU is offering a Medicare certification training for agents who’d like to sell 2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D products for the Annual Enrollment Period.
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Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
You’re invited to Ritter Insurance Marketing’s Virtual Summits! We’re kicking off AEP 2021 with nine Summits for insurance agents! These Summits are interactive, tailored to your local markets, and you’ll be able to chat with our staff and the carriers we work with! During these online presentations, our carriers will reveal exclusive first looks for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D products, too. You don’t want to miss this AEP insurance training… Register today!
Register to Attend Ritter’s Virtual Summits
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2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D Certification Info
Looking for 2021 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D agent certification and product training details? Find out how to get carrier AHIP, Medicare Advantage certification, Part D certification, and product training details in one convenient place!
AHIP Test Tips & Tricks for Medicare Certification
Learn the rules for taking the AHIP test, information on discounts and reimbursement, how to prepare yourself, test-taking tips, legit tech hacks, and more! Before you begin your first attempt at AHIP certification, be sure to listen to this ASG Podcast episode!
FAQs About NAHU Medicare Certification
Got questions about NAHU’s Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training? We’ve got answers! In this episode, we talk about the cost of NAHU certification, CE credits, training module topics, and more – you don’t want to miss it!!!
Ready to Join an FMO? 10 Things to Consider
Thinking about partnering with an FMO? Wondering how you can tell the good from the bad? Our top 10 list outlines what you need to know before you partner with a field marketing organization.
The Survivor's AEP Checklist
Prepare for AEP with the Agent Survival Guide! The Annual Enrollment Period will be here before we know it! Use our checklist to plan ahead, and you'll be "ready-to-sell" with plenty of time to spare.
The latest from Ritter’s Blog:
2021 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D
Ritter has everything you need to know about 2021 maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D initial enrollments. Note: Insurance providers are NOT REQUIRED to pay the maximum commission rate.
Ritter and Carrier Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 virus has effectively changed the way the United States operates for the foreseeable future. A compilation of information from the carriers Ritter supports regarding their capacity to continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here Are the Medicare Out-of-Pocket Expenses That Cost Beneficiaries Most
Do you know what your Medicare clients likely spend the most money on out of pocket? Do your clients know what out-of-pocket costs they can expect with Medicare? The stats are in!
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Wednesday Jul 22, 2020
Wednesday Jul 22, 2020
You’re invited to our virtual Summits! We’re kicking off AEP 2021 with nine Summits for insurance agents! You’ll get a chance to meet our staff and the carriers we work with! During these online presentations, our carriers will reveal exclusive first looks for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D products. It’s the AEP insurance training you don’t want to miss… Register today!
Register to Attend Ritter’s Virtual Summits
More episodes you’ll like:
2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D Certification Info
Looking for 2021 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D agent certification and product training details? Find out how to get carrier AHIP, Medicare Advantage certification, Part D certification, and product training details in one convenient place!
AHIP Test Tips & Tricks for Medicare Certification
Learn the rules for taking the AHIP test, information on discounts and reimbursement, how to prepare yourself, test-taking tips, legit tech hacks, and more! Before you begin your first attempt at AHIP certification, be sure to listen to this ASG Podcast episode!
FAQs About NAHU Medicare Certification
Got questions about NAHU’s Medicare Advantage and Part D certification training? We’ve got answers! In this episode, we talk about the cost of NAHU certification, CE credits, training module topics, and more – you don’t want to miss it!!!
Ready to Join an FMO? 10 Things to Consider
Thinking about partnering with an FMO? Wondering how you can tell the good from the bad? Our top 10 list outlines what you need to know before you partner with a field marketing organization.
The Survivor's AEP Checklist
Prepare for AEP with the Agent Survival Guide! The Annual Enrollment Period will be here before we know it! Use our checklist to plan ahead, and you'll be "ready-to-sell" with plenty of time to spare.
The latest from Ritter’s Blog:
2021 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D
Ritter has everything you need to know about 2021 maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D initial enrollments. Note: Insurance providers are NOT REQUIRED to pay the maximum commission rate.
Ritter and Carrier Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 virus has effectively changed the way the United States operates for the foreseeable future. A compilation of information from the carriers Ritter supports regarding their capacity to continue operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here Are the Medicare Out-of-Pocket Expenses That Cost Beneficiaries Most
Do you know what your Medicare clients likely spend the most money on out of pocket? Do your clients know what out-of-pocket costs they can expect with Medicare? The stats are in!
Subscribe & Follow:
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Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
Get ready to make the most of AEP! We just launched our newest resource page - Surviving AEP - on the Agent Survival Guide Blog. If you want to really thrive this Annual Enrollment season, check it out! We talk AEP prep, AHIP, compliance, and more. There's even an opportunity for a portfolio review. Find "Surviving AEP" online at ritterim.com/aep!
Hey there! It’s me, Sarah Rueppel, host of the Agent Survival Guide Podcast here to tell you about a really cool resource that we just launched on our website.
It’s called Surviving AEP, and it’s an entire page dedicated to helping you make the most of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.
That period only lasts from October 15th through December 7th, (just 54 days!) and there are quite a few things that need to be done before you’re considered “ready-to-sell.”
Surviving AEP lays out what that path looks like and walks you through it, step-by-step.
AEP prep, compliance, AHIP, sales, and even managing stress while you’re trying to do all of those things. Very important, don’t want to be like me and get shingles in the midst of a pandemic.
But enough about me, although I do think this is the coolest feature, when you subscribe to our blog through the Surviving AEP page, you get a free portfolio review as our way of saying thank you.
Check it out here: ritterim.com/aep
And as I’m known to frequently say, we will have that link in our show notes for you. Now go see for yourself!
Surviving AEP with Ritter Insurance Marketing
Mentioned in this episode:
Ritter Insurance Marketing Official Website
Surviving AEP
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FAQs About AHIP
Have questions about AHIP? We've got answers! In this episode, we answer some frequently asked questions about AHIP certification.
How to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans – FREE Guide
Get ready to find out what selling Medicare Advantage is all about! Whether you’re already an insurance agent selling Medicare or you’re transitioning to MA sales, we want to help you build your career. Our eBook is packed with information on Medicare Advantage – certification, contracting, sales pitches, cross-selling tips, training, marketing, and more! Wondering who qualifies for MA plans or when you can enroll your clients? We answer those questions, and give you an AEP Ready-to-Sell Checklist, FAQs on AHIP, and info on enrolling clients online with Medicareful.
The Best Software for Tracking Your Medicare Commissions
How do you track your Medicare commissions? Want a better solution? Listen to this episode of our ASG Podcast for suggestions on tracking (and troubleshooting!) your hard-earned insurance commissions.
The Survivor’s AEP Checklist
Prepare for AEP with the Agent Survival Guide! The Annual Enrollment Period will be here before we know it! Use our checklist to plan ahead, and you'll be "ready-to-sell" with plenty of time to spare.
The latest from Ritter’s Blog:
How to Check for Your First Looks
The moment when carrier First Looks become available is a very exciting time for insurance agents! It can put a spring in your step and help you get in the mood for the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period!
2021 Maximum Broker Commissions for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D
Ritter has everything you need to know about 2021 maximum broker commissions for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D initial enrollments. Note: Insurance providers are NOT REQUIRED to pay the maximum commission rate.
Reassuring Clients During Difficult Times
During times of uncertainty, like the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that your clients will look to you for reassurance, and answers. Are you prepared to provide the support they are seeking?
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Wednesday Jun 03, 2020
Wednesday Jun 03, 2020
Get ready to find out what selling Medicare Advantage is all about! Whether you’re already an insurance agent selling Medicare or you’re transitioning to MA sales, we want to help you build your career. Our eBook is packed with information on Medicare Advantage – certification, contracting, sales pitches, cross-selling tips, training, marketing, and more! Wondering who qualifies for MA plans or when you can enroll your clients? We answer those questions, and give you an AEP Ready-to-Sell Checklist, FAQs on AHIP, and info on enrolling clients online with Medicareful. Download your copy of our FREE eBook today!
Grab Your FREE Copy - https://www.ritterim.com/medicare-advantage-ebook/
Mentioned in this episode:
Get the eBook – The Complete Guide on How to Sell Medicare Advantage Plans
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May 29, 2020 | The Friday Five
The Friday Five for May 29, 2020: CMS Releases Final Rule for Medicare Advantage & Part D 2021; Telehealth on the rise with consumers; CMS Announces Part D Senior Savings Model featuring affordable insulin; Apple and Google Contact Tracing API; and Kaiser Permanente releases Covid-19 Playbook
5 Major Things to Expect in the Medicare Advantage Market for 2020
What's new in the Medicare Advantage Market for 2020? The ASG Podcast has the scoop on what you can expect in the coming year, including new MA carriers!
Defining the True Value of $0 Premium for Medicare Advantage Plans
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Selling Hospital Indemnity Insurance with Medicare Advantage – Is It Worth It?
Pairing hospital indemnity with Medicare Advantage does so much more than generating additional sales. This cross-sale helps shield your clients from the rising costs of a hospital stay. Discover why hospital indemnity could be just the plan your portfolio has been missing!
Understanding Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods
What are the different Medicare Advantage enrollment periods? How and when do your clients qualify for them? Get the answers to your MA enrollment period questions in this episode of the ASG Podcast!
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When your schedule is thrown for a loop due to something like COVID-19, or any other event that changes how you work, it can be hard to find a new normal.
A Review of the Top Medicare Quote Engines for Insurance Agents
An agent selling Medicare products is only as good as the Medicare quoting tool they’re using. We’re looking at agents’ top options for fast and reliable Medicare quoting software and what makes them so special.
Ritter Can Help You Stay in Touch with Your Clients
In any type of business, client retention is just as important as taking on new clients. In the insurance world, once a sale is closed, your duty as an agent isn’t over.
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Tuesday Aug 20, 2019
Tuesday Aug 20, 2019
Looking for an FMO? Not sure what a field marketing organization like Ritter Insurance Marketing can do for your insurance business? Learn everything you need to know in this can’t-miss episode of the ASG Podcast!
Read the text version.
Register with Ritter
Mentioned in this episode:
2020 Maximum Broker Commissions: Medicare Advantage & Medicare Part D
Learn more about Medicareful
Ritter Insurance Marketing Links:
Agent Registration
Carrier Pages
Marketing & Incentives
Medicare Quote Engine
Online Contracting
The Ritter Platform
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5 Real-Life Medicare Sales Scenarios and How to Handle Them | ASG148
Just because a client's situation is more challenging, doesn't mean you can't help them get the coverage they need and complete the sale. In this episode, we help you prepare for some of the tougher cases you may encounter out in the field.
5 MORE Real-Life Medicare Sales Scenarios and How to Handle Them | ASG149
Ready for 5 more challenging insurance sales scenarios and their solutions? Listen to learn how you can handle these potential dilemmas and still close the sale.
The Hidden Value of Medicare Supplements During AEP | ASG155
There's more to sell during AEP than just Medicare Advantage. Find out why Med Supps make a great addition to your insurance portfolio, whether it's the Annual Enrollment Period or not.
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Ready to Join an FMO? 10 Things to Consider
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Wednesday Oct 18, 2017
Wednesday Oct 18, 2017
We've done the research for you! Use our 9 helpful tips to start writing cleaner applications. Read the text version.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Do's and Don'ts of Medicare ComplianceMedicarefulRitter's Regional MarketersAEP: Annual Enrollment PeriodIEP: Initial Enrollment PeriodSEP: Special Election Period
Related:
Keys to Client Retention: Face-to-Face CommunicationHow to Sell Like Your Client is the RenewalWhat is AHIP and Why Do You Need It?
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Sunday Oct 15, 2017
Sunday Oct 15, 2017
What do insurance agents selling Medicare need to know in 2019? What can you expect from Ritter Insurance Marketing in the coming year? Join Ritter’s president, Craig Ritter, for his annual State of the Senior Market webinar. Craig will answer these questions and more, including new product additions and AEP enrollment stats. You won’t want to miss it!
Register today! http://bit.ly/2TfnHEM
The latest from ASG:
Agent Survival KitsEvery ‘Second’ Counts: Why Sell Cancer, Heart Attack and Stroke Insurance?Medicare Supplement Changes Will Introduce Two New Eligibility GroupsWhat You Need to Know About New Medicare Cards
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